Two free Halloween events are coming to downtown Wayne on Oct. 25 and Oct. 31, giving area families back-to-back weekends of costumes, candy and crafts.
The Wayne Art Center hosts its Fall Family Fun Day on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 413 Maplewood Ave. Children can color, make crafts, pose at a seasonal photo backdrop and collect candy. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free.
The center, led by Executive Director Nancy Campbell, also offers a $50 pre-registered workshop geared toward children ages 4 and up. Each of the six art projects takes about 20 to 25 minutes. The lineup, according to the center's website, includes a Monster Wreath, Accordion Pumpkin, Ghost Garland, Colorful Fall Corn, Spooky Pudding Cup and Mummy Votive.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Wayne Business Association brings its annual Downtown Wayne Trick-or-Treat to North Wayne and Lancaster avenues from 1 to 3 p.m. The event, organized under President Ken Kearns, stretches "all over Downtown Wayne," according to the association's events page. Local shops and restaurants open their doors to hand out treats and offer Halloween specials. The event is free.
The Wayne Art Center will set up a tent on North Wayne Avenue during the trick-or-treat, adding crafts, entertainment and snacks to the afternoon.
Wayne Presbyterian Church's parking lot has served as a central gathering point for the trick-or-treat in past years, according to a Wayne Business Association newsletter. The exact layout for the Oct. 31 event has not been announced.
The association noted in a Fall 2025 newsletter that the prior year's trick-or-treat was among the most highly attended in its history. The group, which has connected commerce and community in Wayne for more than 80 years, has surpassed 300 members.
Registration for the Oct. 25 workshop is open on the Wayne Art Center's website.
